With the theme “Usapang Aksyon sa Agri Produksyon at Pagkaing Sapat Para sa Lahat,” the Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meeting took place on July 5, 2023, at the Provincial Livelihood Development Center in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Dagyaw, which means Bayanihan, embodies the purpose of providing help to those in need by uniting the government sector, non-government organizations, and the people as one.

The town hall meeting was attended by key officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and other line agencies, along with Ilocos Sur Governor Hon. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson. Officials from the provincial and local government units, partners from civil society organizations, as well as farmers and fisherfolk groups from Region 1, were also present.

This year’s Dagyaw focused on discussions regarding agricultural production, food security, and other related issues wherein Ms. Doris Joy Garcia, PMED Chief, presented the Department of Agriculture’s thrusts and strategic agenda for 2023-2028.

During the town hall meeting, Director Annie Bares delivered a message of support, emphasizing the significance of agriculture and that food is everybody’s concern. She stated “Bagamat mandato ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka na siguraduhing may sapat, de kalidad, at abot-kayang halaga ng pagkain para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino, ang ibang sangay ng gobyerno ay kabahagi po dapat sa pagbibigay ng karampatang suporta upang ang ating mga programang pang-agrikultura ay maihatid, maitaguyod, at mapagbuti katuwang ng ating lokal na pamahalaan”.

The Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meeting has consistently served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the government and the people it serves. Through this annual event, stakeholders are given a voice, and their concerns are taken into account when formulating policies and programs.

As part of the activity, Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita was also installed, showcasing agricultural products and by-products in Region 1.